Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are a mobile terminal having a display unit for outputting screen information, and capable of enhancing a user&#39;s convenience related to the screen information, and a method for controlling the same. The mobile terminal includes: a touch screen configured to display screen information; and a controller configured to set a partial region among an entire region of the touch screen based on first and second touch inputs, if the first and second touch inputs applied to different points of the touch screen are maintained for a reference time without being released, and configured to execute a function related to the set partial region, if a touch input corresponding to a preset condition is applied to the touch screen while the first and second touch inputs are maintained without being released.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit ofearlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No.10-2015-0010182, filed in Korea on Jan. 21, 2015, the contents of whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and moreparticularly, to a mobile terminal having a display unit for outputtingscreen information, and capable of enhancing a user's conveniencerelated to the screen information, and a method for controlling thesame.

2. Background

In general, a terminal may be classified into a mobile (portable)terminal and a stationary terminal according to a moveable state. Themobile terminal may be also classified into a handheld terminal and avehicle mount terminal according to a user's carriage method.

As functions of the terminal become more diversified, the terminal cansupport more complicated functions such as capturing images or video,reproducing music or video files, playing games, receiving broadcastsignals, and the like. By comprehensively and collectively implementingsuch functions, the mobile terminal may be embodied in the form of amultimedia player or a device.

The mobile terminal has a screen capturing function and/or a screenrecording function. The screen capturing function means a function togenerate a digital image (or screenshot) including screen informationdisplayed on a display unit, and the screen recording function means afunction to generate a digital moving image (or screencast) obtained byrecording screen information displayed on the display unit for apredetermined time.

In the conventional art, an entire region of screen informationdisplayed on a touch screen may be captured or recorded. However, auser's desired region among the entire region of the screen informationcannot be captured or recorded. For instance, for capturing of a partialregion, a user should firstly capture the entire region of the screeninformation, and then should edit a captured digital image such that thedigital image corresponding to the partial region is newly generated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobileterminal capable of executing a function related to a partial regionamong an entire region of a touch screen in a simple and rapid manner,and a method for controlling the same.

Another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobileterminal capable of selecting or setting a partial region among anentire region of a touch screen in a simple manner, and a method forcontrolling the same.

Another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobileterminal capable of executing a different function related to a partialregion, according to a user's gesture applied to a touch screen afterthe partial region has been set, and a method for controlling the same.

Another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobileterminal capable of recording or capturing a partial region of a touchscreen by using only a touch, and a method for controlling the same.

Another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobileterminal capable of executing a recording process or a capturing processwith respect to part of a preview screen displayed on a touch screen,while a capturing function using a camera is executed separately fromthe capturing process, and a method for controlling the same.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, thereis provided a mobile terminal including: a touch screen configured todisplay screen information; and a controller configured to set a partialregion among an entire region of the touch screen based on first andsecond touch inputs, if the first and second touch inputs applied todifferent points of the touch screen are maintained for a reference timewithout being released, and configured to execute a function related tothe set partial region, if a touch input corresponding to a presetcondition is applied to the touch screen while the first and secondtouch inputs are maintained without being released.

In an embodiment, the mobile terminal may further include a memoryconfigured to store therein a plurality of preset conditionscorresponding to different functions related to the partial region. Thecontroller may execute a different function related to the partialregion, based on a touch input applied to the touch screen incorrespondence to a condition among the plurality of preset conditions,in a state where the first and second touch inputs are maintainedwithout being released.

In an embodiment, the controller may execute a function to select partamong an entire text displayed on the entire region of the touch screen,if a touch input corresponding to a first condition among the pluralityof preset conditions is applied onto the touch screen, in a state wherethe first and second touch inputs are maintained without being released.The controller may generate a digital image by capturing screeninformation included in the partial region, if a touch inputcorresponding to a second condition among the plurality of presetconditions is applied onto the touch screen in a state where the firstand second touch inputs are maintained without being released.

In an embodiment, the controller may generate a digital moving image byrecording screen information included in the partial region, in responseto the touch input corresponding to the preset condition.

In an embodiment, when a recording process with respect to the screeninformation included in the partial region is started, the controllermay display guide information indicating that the recording is beingexecuted, on one region of the touch screen.

In an embodiment, upon reception of a drag input applied from a firstpoint to a second point on the partial region during the recordingprocess, the controller may display, on the partial region, an imagewhich is gradually changed along a path of the drag input.

In an embodiment, the image may be recorded together with the screeninformation displayed on the partial region.

In an embodiment, the image may disappear from the touch screen when thedrag input is released.

In an embodiment, when the touch input corresponding to the presetcondition is applied to the touch screen during the recording process,the controller may terminate the recording process.

If an application is driven during the recording process, an executionscreen of the application may be displayed on the touch screen, andscreen information displayed on the set partial region among an entireregion of the execution screen may be recorded.

In an embodiment, the controller may generate a digital image bycapturing screen information included in the set partial region image,in response to the touch input corresponding to the preset condition.

In an embodiment, upon generation of the digital image, the controllermay output servers to which the digital image is to be transmitted inthe form of links. When at least one of the servers is selected, thecontroller may output a message writing window including the digitalimage.

In an embodiment, the function related to the set partial region may bea function to display a plurality of graphic objects corresponding todifferent functions related to the set partial region, on one region ofthe touch screen.

In an embodiment, if at least one of the first and second touch inputsis moved in a state where the first and second touch inputs aremaintained without being released, the controller may reset the setpartial region based on the at least one touch input.

In an embodiment, the controller may control the touch screen such thatthe partial region is distinguished from the remaining region among theentire region of the screen information.

In an embodiment, the controller may set first and second edges by usingtouch points of the first and second touch inputs, and may set thepartial region by using the first and second edges.

In an embodiment, if a graphic object corresponding to a controlfunction is displayed on at least one of touch points of the first andsecond touch inputs when the first and second touch inputs are received,the controller may restrict execution of the control function.

In an embodiment, when at least one of the first and second touch inputsis released, the controller may release the set partial region.

In an embodiment, the touch input corresponding to the preset conditionmay include third and fourth touch inputs consecutively applied onto apredetermined region of the touch screen within a reference time.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, thereis also provided a method for controlling a mobile terminal, the methodincluding: displaying screen information on a touch screen; setting apartial region among an entire region of the touch screen based on firstand second touch inputs, if the first and second touch inputs applied todifferent points of the touch screen are maintained for a reference timewithout being released; and executing a function related to the setpartial region, if a touch input corresponding to a preset condition isapplied to the touch screen while the first and second touch inputs aremaintained without being released.

The present invention can have the following advantages.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present invention, auser can execute various functions related to a partial region, such ascapturing or recording the partial region, by setting the partial regionon a touch screen using a thumb and a middle finger, and byconsecutively applying an index finger (forefinger) onto the touchscreen. Thus, a novel user interface can be provided, and a user'sconvenience can be enhanced.

Further scope of applicability of the present application will becomemore apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However,it should be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to the presentinvention;

FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views for explaining an example of amobile terminal according to the present invention, which are viewedfrom different directions;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a mobileterminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a conceptual view illustrating a user's gesture to set apartial region in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 4A to 4D are conceptual views illustrating embodiments to set apartial region by the user's gesture aforementioned in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a conceptual view illustrating an embodiment to reset apredetermined set region;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are conceptual views illustrating an embodiment toselect a text displayed on a partial region by the method aforementionedin FIG. 2;

FIGS. 7A to 7C are conceptual views illustrating an embodiment tocapture screen information displayed on a partial region by the methodaforementioned in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 8A to 8C are conceptual views illustrating an embodiment to record(videotape) screen information displayed on a partial region by themethod aforementioned in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 9 is a conceptual views illustrating an embodiment to displaygraphic objects related to a partial region by the method aforementionedin FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplaryembodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to thedrawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with thesame or similar reference numbers, and description thereof will not berepeated. In general, a suffix such as “module” and “unit” may be usedto refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix herein ismerely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and thesuffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function.In the present disclosure, that which is well-known to one of ordinaryskill in the relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake ofbrevity. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understandvarious technical features and it should be understood that theembodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanyingdrawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extendto any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to thosewhich are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

Mobile terminals presented herein may be implemented using a variety ofdifferent types of terminals. Examples of such terminals includecellular phones, smart phones, user equipment, laptop computers, digitalbroadcast terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portablemultimedia players (PMPs), navigators, portable computers (PCs), slatePCs, tablet PCs, ultra books, wearable devices (for example, smartwatches, smart glasses, head mounted displays (HMDs)), and the like.

By way of non-limiting example only, further description will be madewith reference to particular types of mobile terminals. However, suchteachings apply equally to other types of terminals, such as those typesnoted above. In addition, these teachings may also be applied tostationary terminals such as digital TV, desktop computers, and adigital signage.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1C, where FIG. 1A is a block diagramof a mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure, andFIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of the mobileterminal, viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal 100 is shown having components such as a wirelesscommunication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an outputunit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a controller 180, and apower supply unit 190. It is understood that implementing all of theillustrated components is not a requirement, and that greater or fewercomponents may alternatively be implemented.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, the mobile terminal 100 is shown havingwireless communication unit 110 configured with several commonlyimplemented components. For instance, the wireless communication unit110 typically includes one or more components which permit wirelesscommunication between the mobile terminal 100 and a wirelesscommunication system or network within which the mobile terminal islocated.

The wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one or moremodules which permit communications such as wireless communicationsbetween the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system,communications between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobileterminal, communications between the mobile terminal 100 and an externalserver. Further, the wireless communication unit 110 typically includesone or more modules which connect the mobile terminal 100 to one or morenetworks. To facilitate such communications, the wireless communicationunit 110 includes one or more of a broadcast receiving module 111, amobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, ashort-range communication module 114, and a location information module115.

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 for obtaining images or video,a microphone 122, which is one type of audio input device for inputtingan audio signal, and a user input unit 123 (for example, a touch key, apush key, a mechanical key, a soft key, and the like) for allowing auser to input information. Data (for example, audio, video, image, andthe like) is obtained by the input unit 120 and may be analyzed andprocessed by controller 180 according to device parameters, usercommands, and combinations thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is typically implemented using one or more sensorsconfigured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, thesurrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, andthe like. For example, in FIG. 1A, the sensing unit 140 is shown havinga proximity sensor 141 and an illumination sensor 142.

If desired, the sensing unit 140 may alternatively or additionallyinclude other types of sensors or devices, such as a touch sensor, anacceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor,a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scansensor, a ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (for example, camera121), a microphone 122, a battery gauge, an environment sensor (forexample, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detectionsensor, a thermal sensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and achemical sensor (for example, an electronic nose, a health care sensor,a biometric sensor, and the like), to name a few. The mobile terminal100 may be configured to utilize information obtained from sensing unit140, and in particular, information obtained from one or more sensors ofthe sensing unit 140, and combinations thereof.

The output unit 150 is typically configured to output various types ofinformation, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like. Theoutput unit 150 is shown having a display unit 151, an audio outputmodule 152, a haptic module 153, and an optical output module 154.

The display unit 151 may have an inter-layered structure or anintegrated structure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate a touchscreen. The touch screen may provide an output interface between themobile terminal 100 and a user, as well as function as the user inputunit 123 which provides an input interface between the mobile terminal100 and the user.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface with various types ofexternal devices that can be coupled to the mobile terminal 100. Theinterface unit 160, for example, may include any of wired or wirelessports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,and the like. In some cases, the mobile terminal 100 may performassorted control functions associated with a connected external device,in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit160.

The memory 170 is typically implemented to store data to support variousfunctions or features of the mobile terminal 100. For instance, thememory 170 may be configured to store application programs executed inthe mobile terminal 100, data or instructions for operations of themobile terminal 100, and the like. Some of these application programsmay be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.Other application programs may be installed within the mobile terminal100 at time of manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the casefor basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, receiving acall, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and thelike). It is common for application programs to be stored in the memory170, installed in the mobile terminal 100, and executed by thecontroller 180 to perform an operation (or function) for the mobileterminal 100.

The controller 180 typically functions to control overall operation ofthe mobile terminal 100, in addition to the operations associated withthe application programs. The controller 180 may provide or processinformation or functions appropriate for a user by processing signals,data, information and the like, which are input or output by the variouscomponents depicted in FIG. 1A, or activating application programsstored in the memory 170. As one example, the controller 180 controlssome or all of the components illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C according tothe execution of an application program that have been stored in thememory 170.

The power supply unit 190 can be configured to receive external power orprovide internal power in order to supply appropriate power required foroperating elements and components included in the mobile terminal 100.The power supply unit 190 may include a battery, and the battery may beconfigured to be embedded in the terminal body, or configured to bedetachable from the terminal body.

At least some of the above components may operate in a cooperatingmanner, so as to implement an operation or a control method of a glasstype terminal according to various embodiments to be explained later.The operation or the control method of the glass type terminal may beimplemented on the glass type terminal by driving at least oneapplication program stored in the memory 170.

Referring still to FIG. 1A, various components depicted in this figurewill now be described in more detail. Regarding the wirelesscommunication unit 110, the broadcast receiving module 111 is typicallyconfigured to receive a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associatedinformation from an external broadcast managing entity via a broadcastchannel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, aterrestrial channel, or both. In some embodiments, two or more broadcastreceiving modules 111 may be utilized to facilitate simultaneouslyreceiving of two or more broadcast channels, or to support switchingamong broadcast channels.

The broadcast managing entity may be implemented using a server orsystem which generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcastassociated information, or a server which receives a pre-generatedbroadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information, and sends suchitems to the mobile terminal. The broadcast signal may be implementedusing any of a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a databroadcast signal, and combinations thereof, among others. The broadcastsignal in some cases may further include a data broadcast signalcombined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast signal may be encoded according to any of a variety oftechnical standards or broadcasting methods (for example, InternationalOrganization for Standardization (ISO), International ElectrotechnicalCommission (IEC), Digital Video Broadcast (DVB), Advanced TelevisionSystems Committee (ATSC), and the like) for transmission and receptionof digital broadcast signals. The broadcast receiving module 111 canreceive the digital broadcast signals using a method appropriate for thetransmission method utilized.

Examples of broadcast associated information may include informationassociated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcastevent, a broadcast service provider, or the like. The broadcastassociated information may also be provided via a mobile communicationnetwork, and in this case, received by the mobile communication module112.

The broadcast associated information may be implemented in variousformats. For instance, broadcast associated information may include anElectronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB),an Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld(DVB-H), and the like. Broadcast signals and/or broadcast associatedinformation received via the broadcast receiving module 111 may bestored in a suitable device, such as a memory 170.

The mobile communication module 112 can transmit and/or receive wirelesssignals to and from one or more network entities. Typical examples of anetwork entity include a base station, an external mobile terminal, aserver, and the like. Such network entities form part of a mobilecommunication network, which is constructed according to technicalstandards or communication methods for mobile communications (forexample, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code DivisionMulti Access (CDMA), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000), EV-DO(Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), WidebandCDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet access (HSDPA), HSUPA (HighSpeed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long TermEvolution-Advanced), and the like). Examples of wireless signalstransmitted and/or received via the mobile communication module 112include audio call signals, video (telephony) call signals, or variousformats of data to support communication of text and multimediamessages.

The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to facilitate wirelessInternet access. This module may be internally or externally coupled tothe mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 may transmitand/or receive wireless signals via communication networks according towireless Internet technologies.

Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless LAN (WLAN),Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance(DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA),HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE),LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like. The wirelessInternet module 113 may transmit/receive data according to one or moreof such wireless Internet technologies, and other Internet technologiesas well.

In some embodiments, when the wireless Internet access is implementedaccording to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE,LTE-A and the like, as part of a mobile communication network, thewireless Internet module 113 performs such wireless Internet access. Assuch, the Internet module 113 may cooperate with, or function as, themobile communication module 112.

The short-range communication module 114 is configured to facilitateshort-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing suchshort-range communications include BLUETOOTH™, Radio FrequencyIDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand(UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity(Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus), andthe like. The short-range communication module 114 in general supportswireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wirelesscommunication system, communications between the mobile terminal 100 andanother mobile terminal 100, or communications between the mobileterminal and a network where another mobile terminal 100 (or an externalserver) is located, via wireless area networks. One example of thewireless area networks is a wireless personal area networks.

In some embodiments, another mobile terminal (which may be configuredsimilarly to mobile terminal 100) may be a wearable device, for example,a smart watch, a smart glass or a head mounted display (HMDs), which isable to exchange data with the mobile terminal 100 (or otherwisecooperate with the mobile terminal 100). The short-range communicationmodule 114 may sense or recognize the wearable device, and permitcommunication between the wearable device and the mobile terminal 100.In addition, when the sensed wearable device is a device which isauthenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100, thecontroller 180, for example, may cause transmission of data processed inthe mobile terminal 100 to the wearable device via the short-rangecommunication module 114. Hence, a user of the wearable device may usethe data processed in the mobile terminal 100 on the wearable device.For example, when a call is received in the mobile terminal 100, theuser may answer the call using the wearable device. Also, when a messageis received in the mobile terminal 100, the user can check the receivedmessage using the wearable device.

The location information module 115 is generally configured to detect,calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position of the mobileterminal. As an example, the location information module 115 includes aGlobal Position System (GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module, or both. Ifdesired, the location information module 115 may alternatively oradditionally function with any of the other modules of the wirelesscommunication unit 110 to obtain data related to the position of themobile terminal.

As one example, when the mobile terminal uses a GPS module, a positionof the mobile terminal may be acquired using a signal sent from a GPSsatellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal uses the Wi-Fimodule, a position of the mobile terminal can be acquired based oninformation related to a wireless access point (AP) which transmits orreceives a wireless signal to or from the Wi-Fi module.

The input unit 120 may be configured to permit various types of input tothe mobile terminal 120. Examples of such input include audio, image,video, data, and user input. Image and video input is often obtainedusing one or more cameras 121. Such cameras 121 may process image framesof still pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video or imagecapture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in memory 170. In some cases, the cameras 121 may bearranged in a matrix configuration to permit a plurality of imageshaving various angles or focal points to be input to the mobile terminal100. As another example, the cameras 121 may be located in astereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right images forimplementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 is generally implemented to permit audio input to themobile terminal 100. The audio input can be processed in various mannersaccording to a function being executed in the mobile terminal 100. Ifdesired, the microphone 122 may include assorted noise removingalgorithms to remove unwanted noise generated in the course of receivingthe external audio.

The user input unit 123 is a component that permits input by a user.Such user input may enable the controller 180 to control operation ofthe mobile terminal 100. The user input unit 123 may include one or moreof a mechanical input element (for example, a key, a button located on afront and/or rear surface or a side surface of the mobile terminal 100,a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like), or atouch-sensitive input, among others. As one example, the touch-sensitiveinput may be a virtual key or a soft key, which is displayed on a touchscreen through software processing, or a touch key which is located onthe mobile terminal at a location that is other than the touch screen.On the other hand, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed onthe touch screen in various shapes, for example, graphic, text, icon,video, or a combination thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is generally configured to sense one or more ofinternal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding environmentinformation of the mobile terminal, user information, or the like. Thecontroller 180 generally cooperates with the sending unit 140 to controloperation of the mobile terminal 100 or execute data processing, afunction or an operation associated with an application programinstalled in the mobile terminal based on the sensing provided by thesensing unit 140. The sensing unit 140 may be implemented using any of avariety of sensors, some of which will now be described in more detail.

The proximity sensor 141 may include a sensor to sense presence orabsence of an object approaching a surface, or an object located near asurface, by using an electromagnetic field, infrared rays, or the likewithout a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141 may be arrangedat an inner region of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen,or near the touch screen.

The proximity sensor 141, for example, may include any of a transmissivetype photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective type photoelectricsensor, a mirror reflective type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequencyoscillation proximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, amagnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, andthe like. When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type,the proximity sensor 141 can sense proximity of a pointer relative tothe touch screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which isresponsive to an approach of an object with conductivity. In this case,the touch screen (touch sensor) may also be categorized as a proximitysensor.

The term “proximity touch” will often be referred to herein to denotethe scenario in which a pointer is positioned to be proximate to thetouch screen without contacting the touch screen. The term “contacttouch” will often be referred to herein to denote the scenario in whicha pointer makes physical contact with the touch screen. For the positioncorresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer relative to thetouch screen, such position will correspond to a position where thepointer is perpendicular to the touch screen. The proximity sensor 141may sense proximity touch, and proximity touch patterns (for example,distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving status, and thelike).

In general, controller 180 processes data corresponding to proximitytouch inputs and proximity touch patterns sensed by the proximity sensor141, and cause output of visual information on the touch screen. Inaddition, the controller 180 can control the mobile terminal 100 toexecute different operations or process different data according towhether a touch with respect to a point on the touch screen is either aproximity touch or a contact touch.

A touch sensor can sense a touch applied to the touch screen, such asdisplay unit 151, using any of a variety of touch methods. Examples ofsuch touch methods include a resistive type, a capacitive type, aninfrared type, and a magnetic field type, among others.

As one example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert changes ofpressure applied to a specific part of the display unit 151, or convertcapacitance occurring at a specific part of the display unit 151, intoelectric input signals. The touch sensor may also be configured to sensenot only a touched position and a touched area, but also touch pressureand/or touch capacitance. A touch object is generally used to apply atouch input to the touch sensor. Examples of typical touch objectsinclude a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like.

When a touch input is sensed by a touch sensor, corresponding signalsmay be transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller mayprocess the received signals, and then transmit corresponding data tothe controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 may sense whichregion of the display unit 151 has been touched. Here, the touchcontroller may be a component separate from the controller 180, thecontroller 180, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the controller 180 may execute the same ordifferent controls according to a type of touch object that touches thetouch screen or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen.Whether to execute the same or different control according to the objectwhich provides a touch input may be decided based on a current operatingstate of the mobile terminal 100 or a currently executed applicationprogram, for example.

The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implementedindividually, or in combination, to sense various types of touch inputs.Such touch inputs includes a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, amulti-touch, a drag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-outtouch, a swipe touch, a hovering touch, and the like.

If desired, an ultrasonic sensor may be implemented to recognizeposition information relating to a touch object using ultrasonic waves.The controller 180, for example, may calculate a position of a wavegeneration source based on information sensed by an illumination sensorand a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. Since light is much faster thanultrasonic waves, the time for which the light reaches the opticalsensor is much shorter than the time for which the ultrasonic wavereaches the ultrasonic sensor. The position of the wave generationsource may be calculated using this fact. For instance, the position ofthe wave generation source may be calculated using the time differencefrom the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches the sensor based on thelight as a reference signal.

The camera 121 typically includes at least one a camera sensor (CCD,CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a laser sensor.

Implementing the camera 121 with a laser sensor may allow detection of atouch of a physical object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. Thephoto sensor may be laminated on, or overlapped with, the displaydevice. The photo sensor may be configured to scan movement of thephysical object in proximity to the touch screen. In more detail, thephoto sensor may include photo diodes and transistors at rows andcolumns to scan content received at the photo sensor using an electricalsignal which changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely,the photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical objectaccording to variation of light to thus obtain position information ofthe physical object.

The display unit 151 is generally configured to output informationprocessed in the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151may display execution screen information of an application programexecuting at the mobile terminal 100 or user interface (UI) and graphicuser interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screeninformation.

In some embodiments, the display unit 151 may be implemented as astereoscopic display unit for displaying stereoscopic images. A typicalstereoscopic display unit may employ a stereoscopic display scheme suchas a stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), an auto-stereoscopic scheme(glassless scheme), a projection scheme (holographic scheme), or thelike.

The audio output module 152 is generally configured to output audiodata. Such audio data may be obtained from any of a number of differentsources, such that the audio data may be received from the wirelesscommunication unit 110 or may have been stored in the memory 170. Theaudio data may be output during modes such as a signal reception mode, acall mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcastreception mode, and the like. The audio output module 152 can provideaudible output related to a particular function (e.g., a call signalreception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed by themobile terminal 100. The audio output module 152 may also be implementedas a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, or the like.

A haptic module 153 can be configured to generate various tactileeffects that a user feels, perceive, or otherwise experience. A typicalexample of a tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 isvibration. The strength, pattern and the like of the vibration generatedby the haptic module 153 can be controlled by user selection or settingby the controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may outputdifferent vibrations in a combining manner or a sequential manner.

Besides vibration, the haptic module 153 can generate various othertactile effects, including an effect by stimulation such as a pinarrangement vertically moving to contact skin, a spray force or suctionforce of air through a jet orifice or a suction opening, a touch to theskin, a contact of an electrode, electrostatic force, an effect byreproducing the sense of cold and warmth using an element that canabsorb or generate heat, and the like.

The haptic module 153 can also be implemented to allow the user to feela tactile effect through a muscle sensation such as the user's fingersor arm, as well as transferring the tactile effect through directcontact. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided according to theparticular configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

An optical output module 154 can output a signal for indicating an eventgeneration using light of a light source. Examples of events generatedin the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signalreception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an emailreception, information reception through an application, and the like.

A signal output by the optical output module 154 may be implemented insuch a manner that the mobile terminal emits monochromatic light orlight with a plurality of colors. The signal output may be terminated asthe mobile terminal senses that a user has checked the generated event,for example.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface for external devices to beconnected with the mobile terminal 100. For example, the interface unit160 can receive data transmitted from an external device, receive powerto transfer to elements and components within the mobile terminal 100,or transmit internal data of the mobile terminal 100 to such externaldevice. The interface unit 160 may include wired or wireless headsetports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,or the like.

The identification module may be a chip that stores various informationfor authenticating authority of using the mobile terminal 100 and mayinclude a user identity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module(SIM), a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. Inaddition, the device having the identification module (also referred toherein as an “identifying device”) may take the form of a smart card.Accordingly, the identifying device can be connected with the terminal100 via the interface unit 160.

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected with an external cradle, theinterface unit 160 can serve as a passage to allow power from the cradleto be supplied to the mobile terminal 100 or may serve as a passage toallow various command signals input by the user from the cradle to betransferred to the mobile terminal there through. Various commandsignals or power input from the cradle may operate as signals forrecognizing that the mobile terminal is properly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 can store programs to support operations of thecontroller 180 and store input/output data (for example, phonebook,messages, still images, videos, etc.). The memory 170 may store datarelated to various patterns of vibrations and audio which are output inresponse to touch inputs on the touch screen.

The memory 170 may include one or more types of storage mediumsincluding a Flash memory, a hard disk, a solid state disk, a silicondisk, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DXmemory, etc), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random AccessMemory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory(PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and thelike. The mobile terminal 100 may also be operated in relation to anetwork storage device that performs the storage function of the memory170 over a network, such as the Internet.

The controller 180 may typically control the general operations of themobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 may set or releasea lock state for restricting a user from inputting a control commandwith respect to applications when a status of the mobile terminal meetsa preset condition.

The controller 180 can also perform the controlling and processingassociated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, and thelike, or perform pattern recognition processing to recognize ahandwriting input or a picture drawing input performed on the touchscreen as characters or images, respectively. In addition, thecontroller 180 can control one or a combination of those components inorder to implement various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power or provide internalpower and supply the appropriate power required for operating respectiveelements and components included in the mobile terminal 100. The powersupply unit 190 may include a battery, which is typically rechargeableor be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging.

The power supply unit 190 may include a connection port. The connectionport may be configured as one example of the interface unit 160 to whichan external charger for supplying power to recharge the battery iselectrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured torecharge the battery in a wireless manner without use of the connectionport. In this example, the power supply unit 190 can receive power,transferred from an external wireless power transmitter, using at leastone of an inductive coupling method which is based on magnetic inductionor a magnetic resonance coupling method which is based onelectromagnetic resonance.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in acomputer-readable medium, a machine-readable medium, or similar mediumusing, for example, software, hardware, or any combination thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the mobile terminal 100 is describedwith reference to a bar-type terminal body. However, the mobile terminal100 may alternatively be implemented in any of a variety of differentconfigurations. Examples of such configurations include watch-type,clip-type, glasses-type, or as a folder-type, flip-type, slide-type,swing-type, and swivel-type in which two and more bodies are combinedwith each other in a relatively movable manner, and combinationsthereof. Discussion herein will often relate to a particular type ofmobile terminal (for example, bar-type, watch-type, glasses-type, andthe like). However, such teachings with regard to a particular type ofmobile terminal will generally apply to other types of mobile terminalsas well.

The mobile terminal 100 will generally include a case (for example,frame, housing, cover, and the like) forming the appearance of theterminal. In this embodiment, the case is formed using a front case 101and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are incorporated intoa space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. Atleast one middle case may be additionally positioned between the frontcase 101 and the rear case 102.

The display unit 151 is shown located on the front side of the terminalbody to output information. As illustrated, a window 151 a of thedisplay unit 151 may be mounted to the front case 101 to form the frontsurface of the terminal body together with the front case 101.

In some embodiments, electronic components may also be mounted to therear case 102. Examples of such electronic components include adetachable battery 191, an identification module, a memory card, and thelike. Rear cover 103 is shown covering the electronic components, andthis cover may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Therefore,when the rear cover 103 is detached from the rear case 102, theelectronic components mounted to the rear case 102 are externallyexposed.

As illustrated, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102,a side surface of the rear case 102 is partially exposed. In some cases,upon the coupling, the rear case 102 may also be completely shielded bythe rear cover 103. In some embodiments, the rear cover 103 may includean opening for externally exposing a camera 121 b or an audio outputmodule 152 b.

The cases 101, 102, 103 may be formed by injection-molding syntheticresin or may be formed of a metal, for example, stainless steel (STS),aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

As an alternative to the example in which the plurality of cases form aninner space for accommodating components, the mobile terminal 100 may beconfigured such that one case forms the inner space. In this example, amobile terminal 100 having a uni-body is formed in such a manner thatsynthetic resin or metal extends from a side surface to a rear surface.

If desired, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproofing unit(not shown) for preventing introduction of water into the terminal body.For example, the waterproofing unit may include a waterproofing memberwhich is located between the window 151 a and the front case 101,between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rearcase 102 and the rear cover 103, to hermetically seal an inner spacewhen those cases are coupled.

FIGS. 1B and 1C depict certain components as arranged on the mobileterminal. However, it is to be understood that alternative arrangementsare possible and within the teachings of the instant disclosure. Somecomponents may be omitted or rearranged. For example, the firstmanipulation unit 123 a may be located on another surface of theterminal body, and the second audio output module 152 b may be locatedon the side surface of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 outputs information processed in the mobileterminal 100. The display unit 151 may be implemented using one or moresuitable display devices. Examples of such suitable display devicesinclude a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquidcrystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), aflexible display, a 3-dimensional (3D) display, an e-ink display, andcombinations thereof.

The display unit 151 may be implemented using two display devices, whichcan implement the same or different display technology. For instance, aplurality of the display units 151 may be arranged on one side, eitherspaced apart from each other, or these devices may be integrated, orthese devices may be arranged on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may also include a touch sensor which senses atouch input received at the display unit. When a touch is input to thedisplay unit 151, the touch sensor may be configured to sense this touchand the controller 180, for example, may generate a control command orother signal corresponding to the touch. The content which is input inthe touching manner may be a text or numerical value, or a menu itemwhich can be indicated or designated in various modes.

The touch sensor may be configured in a form of a film having a touchpattern, disposed between the window 151 a and a display on a rearsurface of the window 151 a, or a metal wire which is patterned directlyon the rear surface of the window 151 a. Alternatively, the touch sensormay be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensormay be disposed on a substrate of the display or within the display.

The display unit 151 may also form a touch screen together with thetouch sensor. Here, the touch screen may serve as the user input unit123 (see FIG. 1A). Therefore, the touch screen may replace at least someof the functions of the first manipulation unit 123 a.

The first audio output module 152 a may be implemented in the form of aspeaker to output voice audio, alarm sounds, multimedia audioreproduction, and the like.

The window 151 a of the display unit 151 will typically include anaperture to permit audio generated by the first audio output module 152a to pass. One alternative is to allow audio to be released along anassembly gap between the structural bodies (for example, a gap betweenthe window 151 a and the front case 101). In this case, a holeindependently formed to output audio sounds may not be seen or isotherwise hidden in terms of appearance, thereby further simplifying theappearance and manufacturing of the mobile terminal 100.

The optical output module 154 can be configured to output light forindicating an event generation. Examples of such events include amessage reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, aschedule notice, an email reception, information reception through anapplication, and the like. When a user has checked a generated event,the controller can control the optical output unit 154 to stop the lightoutput.

The first camera 121 a can process image frames such as still or movingimages obtained by the image sensor in a capture mode or a video callmode. The processed image frames can then be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in the memory 170.

The first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b are examples ofthe user input unit 123, which may be manipulated by a user to provideinput to the mobile terminal 100. The first and second manipulationunits 123 a and 123 b may also be commonly referred to as a manipulatingportion, and may employ any tactile method that allows the user toperform manipulation such as touch, push, scroll, or the like. The firstand second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b may also employ anynon-tactile method that allows the user to perform manipulation such asproximity touch, hovering, or the like.

FIG. 1B illustrates the first manipulation unit 123 a as a touch key,but possible alternatives include a mechanical key, a push key, a touchkey, and combinations thereof.

Input received at the first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123b may be used in various ways. For example, the first manipulation unit123 a may be used by the user to provide an input to a menu, home key,cancel, search, or the like, and the second manipulation unit 123 b maybe used by the user to provide an input to control a volume level beingoutput from the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b, toswitch to a touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, or the like.

As another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input unit (notshown) may be located on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rearinput unit can be manipulated by a user to provide input to the mobileterminal 100. The input may be used in a variety of different ways. Forexample, the rear input unit may be used by the user to provide an inputfor power on/off, start, end, scroll, control volume level being outputfrom the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b, switch toa touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, and the like. The rearinput unit may be configured to permit touch input, a push input, orcombinations thereof.

The rear input unit may be located to overlap the display unit 151 ofthe front side in a thickness direction of the terminal body. As oneexample, the rear input unit may be located on an upper end portion ofthe rear side of the terminal body such that a user can easilymanipulate it using a forefinger when the user grabs the terminal bodywith one hand. Alternatively, the rear input unit can be positioned atmost any location of the rear side of the terminal body.

Embodiments that include the rear input unit may implement some or allof the functionality of the first manipulation unit 123 a in the rearinput unit. As such, in situations where the first manipulation unit 123a is omitted from the front side, the display unit 151 can have a largerscreen.

As a further alternative, the mobile terminal 100 may include a fingerscan sensor which scans a user's fingerprint. The controller 180 canthen use fingerprint information sensed by the finger scan sensor aspart of an authentication procedure. The finger scan sensor may also beinstalled in the display unit 151 or implemented in the user input unit123.

The microphone 122 is shown located at an end of the mobile terminal100, but other locations are possible. If desired, multiple microphonesmay be implemented, with such an arrangement permitting the receiving ofstereo sounds.

The interface unit 160 may serve as a path allowing the mobile terminal100 to interface with external devices. For example, the interface unit160 may include one or more of a connection terminal for connecting toanother device (for example, an earphone, an external speaker, or thelike), a port for near field communication (for example, an InfraredData Association (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, andthe like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobileterminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of asocket for accommodating an external card, such as SubscriberIdentification Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), or a memorycard for information storage.

The second camera 121 b is shown located at the rear side of theterminal body and includes an image capturing direction that issubstantially opposite to the image capturing direction of the firstcamera unit 121 a. If desired, second camera 121 a may alternatively belocated at other locations, or made to be moveable, in order to have adifferent image capturing direction from that which is shown.

The second camera 121 b can include a plurality of lenses arranged alongat least one line. The plurality of lenses may also be arranged in amatrix configuration. The cameras may be referred to as an “arraycamera.” When the second camera 121 b is implemented as an array camera,images may be captured in various manners using the plurality of lensesand images with better qualities.

As shown in FIG. 1C, a flash 124 is shown adjacent to the second camera121 b. When an image of a subject is captured with the camera 121 b, theflash 124 may illuminate the subject.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the second audio output module 152 b can be locatedon the terminal body. The second audio output module 152 b may implementstereophonic sound functions in conjunction with the first audio outputmodule 152 a, and may be also used for implementing a speaker phone modefor call communication.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be located on theterminal body. The antenna may be installed in the terminal body orformed by the case. For example, an antenna which configures a part ofthe broadcast receiving module 111 may be retractable into the terminalbody. Alternatively, an antenna may be formed using a film attached toan inner surface of the rear cover 103, or a case that includes aconductive material.

A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100may include a battery 191, which is mounted in the terminal body ordetachably coupled to an outside of the terminal body. The battery 191may receive power via a power source cable connected to the interfaceunit 160. Also, the battery 191 can be recharged in a wireless mannerusing a wireless charger. Wireless charging may be implemented bymagnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance.

The rear cover 103 is shown coupled to the rear case 102 for shieldingthe battery 191, to prevent separation of the battery 191, and toprotect the battery 191 from an external impact or from foreignmaterial. When the battery 191 is detachable from the terminal body, therear case 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or extending thefunctions of the mobile terminal 100 can also be provided on the mobileterminal 100. As one example of an accessory, a cover or pouch forcovering or accommodating at least one surface of the mobile terminal100 may be provided. The cover or pouch may cooperate with the displayunit 151 to extend the function of the mobile terminal 100. Anotherexample of the accessory is a touch pen for assisting or extending atouch input to a touch screen.

The controller 180 may set a region among an entire region of screeninformation displayed on the touch screen 151, by a user's gesture, andmay execute a function related to the set region. The user's gesture toset a region may be differentiated from a user's gesture to execute afunction related to the set region, and the user's gestures may be inputin a touch manner. The function related to the set region may bevariable according to a type of an inputted user's gesture. Hereinafter,a mobile terminal capable of setting a region and executing variousfunctions related to the set region, and a method for controlling thesame will be explained in more detail with reference to the attacheddrawings.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a mobileterminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3is a conceptual view illustrating a user's gesture to set a partialregion in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

The controller 180 displays screen information on the touch screen(S210).

The screen information may be a home screen page. The home screen pagemay include at least one object, and the object may be an icon or awidget of an application installed on the mobile terminal.

As another example, the screen information may be an execution screen ofan application. The application includes a widget, a home launcher,etc., which means all types of programs which can be driven in themobile terminal. Thus, the application may be a program for executing astill or moving image capturing function, a video playing function, amessage transmitting/receiving function, a schedule managing function,and an application update function.

Next, if a first touch input and a second touch input applied ontodifferent points on the touch screen in a state where the screeninformation has been displayed on the touch screen are maintained for apredetermined time, the controller sets a region among an entire regionof the touch screen, based on the first and second touch inputs (S230).

The touch input may mean a gesture contacting the touch screen. Morespecifically, the touch input may be understood as an operation to knockthe touch screen by using an object such as a finger, or an operation tocontact the object onto the touch screen.

The object used to apply a touch may be an object which can apply anexternal force to the touch screen. For instance, the object may be afinger, a stylus pen, a pen, a pointer, a fist, etc. Any object may beused if it can apply an external force to the touch screen.

If a plurality of touch inputs are applied onto different points on thetouch screen in a state where the screen information has been displayedon the touch screen, the controller may determine that a user's gestureto set a region among an entire region of the touch screen has beensensed. For instance, a user's gesture to set a partial region among anentire region of the touch screen may include a first touch input and asecond touch input applied onto different points on the touch screen ina state where the screen information has been displayed on the touchscreen. For instance, when a first touch input is applied to a firstpoint on the touch screen and a second touch input is applied to asecond point on the touch screen, the controller may recognize the firstand second touch inputs as a user's gesture to set a region.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 3, a first touch input 310 a and a secondtouch input 301 b may be received on different points of the touchscreen. The first and second touch inputs may be received sequentiallyor simultaneously.

If the first and second touch inputs received on the different points ofthe touch screen are maintained for a predetermined time without beingreleased, the controller sets a partial region among an entire region ofthe touch screen, based on the first and second touch inputs.

The controller counts a lapse time from a time point when the first andsecond touch inputs have been received, and compares the counted timewith a preset time. For instance, if the second touch input is receivedin a state where the first touch input is maintained without beingreleased, the controller counts a lapse time from a time point when thesecond touch input has been received. As another example, if the firstand second touch inputs are simultaneously received, the controllercounts a lapse time from a time point when the first and second touchinput have been received.

The preset time may be a very short time, which may be within a range of0.5˜1.5 seconds. The preset time may be variously modified according toembodiments.

Once the preset time lapses, the controller sets a partial region basedon touch points of the first and second touch inputs, among the entireregion of the touch screen. More specifically, the controller may set aregion including a touch point of the first input and a touch point ofthe second input, as a partial region. For instance, the controller mayset first and second edges by using the touch points of the first andsecond touch inputs, and may set a partial region formed by lines whichconstitute the first edge, and lines which constitute the second edge.The partial region may have a quadrangular shape. As another example,the controller set a region consecutively connected from a startingpoint to an ending point, as a partial region. In this case, thestarting point indicates the touch point of the first touch, and theending point indicates the touch point of the second touch input.

The screen information displayed on the touch screen may include atleast one graphic object corresponding to a control function. Generally,when a touch is applied onto a graphic object output in the form of alink or in the form of an icon or a widget, the controller shouldexecute a control function corresponding to the graphic object to whichthe touch input has been applied. However, in the present invention, iffirst and second touch inputs are received on different points of thetouch screen, the controller of the mobile terminal determines the touchinputs as a user's gesture to set a partial region, and restrictsexecution of a control function by at least one of the first and secondtouch inputs. That is, even if a graphic object is displayed on at leastone of the first and second touch inputs, a control functioncorresponding to the graphic object is not executed.

Next, if a touch input corresponding to a preset condition is applied tothe touch screen in a state where the first and second touch inputs aremaintained without being released, the controller executes a functionrelated to the set partial region (S250).

If at least one touch input is applied to the touch screen in a statewhere the first and second touch inputs are maintained without beingreleased, the controller determines whether the touch input matches atouch input corresponding to a preset condition. If the touch inputmatches the touch input corresponding to the preset condition, thecontroller executes a function related to the preset condition.

The touch input corresponding to the preset condition includes a touchapplied onto the touch screen at least once, in a state where the firstand second touch inputs are maintained without being released. Thepreset condition may be related to at least one of the number of times,a position, a speed, an intensity and a pattern of the touch input.

For instance, the controller may execute a function related to thepartial region when a touch is applied two times. That is, the touchinput corresponding to the preset condition may mean at least two touchinputs consecutively applied onto the touch screen within a referencetime.

Alternatively, the touch input corresponding to the preset condition maymean a plurality of touch inputs applied onto a predetermined region.That is, the touch input corresponding to the preset condition mayinclude a third touch input and a fourth touch input consecutivelyapplied onto a partial region of the touch screen within a referencetime.

The reference time may be a very short time, which may be within a rangeof 300 ms˜2 s. The partial region may be a partial region set by firstand second touch inputs. Also, the partial region may mean the sameregion where a plurality of touch inputs have been applied, or a narrowregion which can be regarded as the same point.

For instance, in case of applying a user's gesture using a right hand asshown in FIG. 3, first and second touch inputs using a thumb and amiddle finger may be applied. If the contacted state of the thumb andthe middle finger onto the touch screen is maintained for a referencetime, a partial region is set based on contact points of the thumb andthe middle finger. Then, if an index finger (forefinger) isconsecutively applied onto the touch screen while the contacted state ofthe thumb and the middle finger onto the touch screen is maintained, thecontroller executes a function related to the set partial region.

The reason why a plurality of touch inputs are consecutively appliedonto a partial region on the touch screen is in order to preventexecution of a function related to the set partial region, due to auser's undesired touch.

The touch input corresponding to the preset condition may be variouslymodified. The touch input corresponding to the preset condition mayinclude various types of touch inputs such as a short touch, a longtouch, a multi touch, a drag touch and a hovering touch.

If a touch input corresponding to a preset condition is applied onto thetouch screen while the first and second touch inputs applied onto thetouch screen are maintained, the controller may execute a functionrelated to a partial region set by the first and second touch inputs.

The function related to the set partial region may mean all types offunctions which are executable in the mobile terminal. In this case, thefunction related to the set partial region may mean a functionexecutable with respect to the partial region set by the first andsecond touch inputs, not a function executable with respect to theentire region of the touch screen.

The function related to the set partial region may be a function tocapture or record (videotape) screen information displayed on thepartial region. Alternatively, the function related to the set partialregion may be a function to select graphic objects or texts displayed onthe partial region.

Still alternatively, the function related to the set partial region maybe a function related to a driving of the mobile terminal. For instance,the function may be a function to turn on/off a light of the set partialregion, or may be a function to control a brightness of the set partialregion with maintaining a brightness of the remaining region.

A plurality of preset conditions corresponding to different functionsrelated to the partial region may be stored in the memory of the mobileterminal. The controller may execute a different function related to thepartial region, based on a touch input corresponding to a conditionamong the plurality of preset conditions, the touch input applied ontothe touch screen in a state where the first and second touch inputs aremaintained.

For instance, if a touch input corresponding to a first condition amongthe plurality of preset conditions is applied onto the touch screen in astate where the first and second touch inputs are maintained, thecontroller may execute a first function related to the partial region.On the contrary, if a touch input corresponding to a second conditionamong the plurality of preset conditions is applied onto the touchscreen in a state where the first and second touch inputs aremaintained, the controller may execute a second function related to thepartial region.

The different functions related to the partial region may include afunction to select at least one graphic object among graphic objectsdisplayed on the entire region of the touch screen, a function to selectpart among an entire text displayed on the entire region of the touchscreen, a function to generate a digital image by capturing screeninformation included in the partial region, a function to generate adigital moving image by recording screen information included in thepartial region, etc.

A specific function related to the partial region, and a touch input forexecuting the specific function may be variously modified according toembodiments.

If a touch input not matching a preset condition is applied to the touchscreen while the first and second touch inputs are maintained, thecontroller ignores the touch input not matching the preset condition.That is, the controller restricts execution of a function by the touchinput not matching the preset condition. The controller may outputinformation indicating the erroneous touch input, by using at least oneof visual, tactile and audible methods. Accordingly, a user mayrecognize that he or she has applied the touch input erroneously.

With the aforementioned structure, a simple user interface may beimplemented, because a partial region is set by a simple operation and afunction related to the partial region is executable.

In the conventional art, a user should execute a plurality of steps inorder to capture a partial region, or in order to select a textdisplayed on the partial region. This may cause a user's difficulty anda long time. The above embodiment is to solve such disadvantages.

The mobile terminal may execute a function related to the partial regionin a novel manner using a plurality of touch inputs appliedsimultaneously.

Hereinafter, a configuration to set a partial region based on first andsecond touch input inputs will be explained in more detail.

FIGS. 4A to 4D are conceptual views illustrating embodiments to set apartial region by the user's gesture aforementioned in FIG. 3.

For convenience, a type and a characteristic of a touch input appliedonto the touch screen are displayed in the form of a circle. A numberinside the circle shape indicates a touch order, and a position of thecircle indicates a touch position. A number inside a single circle meansthe number of times that a plurality of touch inputs have beensequentially applied to the same position within a reference time. Aplurality of circles having the same number mean a plurality of touchinputs applied at the same time point.

The controller may sense a plurality of touch inputs applied ontodifferent points of the touch screen, in a state where screeninformation has been displayed on the touch screen. If a reference timelapses while the plurality of touch inputs are maintained, thecontroller sets a partial region based on touch points of the pluralityof touch inputs. For the setting of the partial region, at least twotouch inputs should be maintained for a reference time without beingreleased. The plurality of touch inputs may not be necessarily inputsimultaneously. That is, even in a case where a plurality of touchinputs are input sequentially to thus be maintained without beingreleased, a partial region may be set. For convenience, it is assumedthat a plurality of inputs are input simultaneously. However, the mobileterminal and the method for controlling the same according to thepresent invention are not limited to that.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, an execution screen of a webbrowser may be displayed on the touch screen 151 as screen information.In this state, a first touch input and a second touch input may beapplied onto different points of the touch screen 151 (i.e., two circleshaving number ‘1’).

If a reference time lapses based on a time point when first and secondtouch inputs have been applied, the controller may set a partial regionusing touch points of the first and second touch input inputs. Forinstance, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the controller may set a firstedge by using a touch point of the first touch input, and may set asecond edge positioned in a diagonal direction of the first edge, byusing a touch point of the second touch input. Also, the controller mayset a partial region by using the first and second edges. That is, thepartial region may be implemented as a quadrangular region formed by thefirst and second edges.

The partial region may be set in a first case where the first and secondtouch input inputs are maintained for a reference time, or in a secondcase where a touch input corresponding to a preset condition is appliedwhile the first and second touch input inputs are maintained for areference time. In the second case, if a reference time lapses from atime point when first and second touch inputs have been applied, thecontroller controls the mobile terminal to be in a ready state(activated state). Then, if a preset touch input is applied to the touchscreen, the controller may set a partial region, and may execute afunction related to the set partial region. Hereinafter, preferredembodiments of the present invention will be explained with taking thefirst case as an example. However, the present invention is not limitedto this. That is, a partial region may be set in the second case.

Once the partial region is set, the controller may control the touchscreen 151 such that the partial region is distinguished from theremaining region among the entire region of the screen information. Thatis, the partial region may be highlighted. For instance, the controllermay generate a line (or an image) enclosing the edge of the partialregion, or may differentiate the partial region from the remainingregion in brightness. Alternatively, the controller may generate avisual effect such as a color change, an emphasis (bold) process, and ablinking process.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the entire region of the touch screen may be set bythe first and second touch input inputs. More specifically, in a casewhere the first touch input is applied to a position adjacent to thefirst edge of the touch screen and the second touch input is applied toa position adjacent to the second edge of the touch screen, thecontroller may set (or select) the entire region of the touch screen ifa reference time lapses from a time point when the first and secondtouch inputs have been applied.

The controller may output guide information indicating that the entireregion of the touch screen has been selected, in one of visual, tactileand audible manners. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4C, once the entireregion of the touch screen is selected, vibrations may occur. If a touchinput corresponding to a preset condition is applied to the touchscreen, while the first and second touch inputs are maintained withoutbeing released, in the state where the entire region of the touch screenhas been selected, the controller executes a function related to theentire region. That is, in the present invention, as touch points of thefirst and second touch inputs become variable, a function related to theentire region or a partial region of the touch screen may be executed.

The partial region is not limited to have a quadrangular shape. Forinstance, as shown in FIG. 4D, the partial region may be set to have apolygonal shape. More specifically, the controller may set a touch pointof the first touch input as a starting point, and may set a touch pointof the second touch input as an ending point. Then, the controller mayset a region consecutively connected from the starting point to theending point, as a partial region. In this case, the partial region mayhave part of a left end and a right end thereof as an edge.

Although not shown, if at least one of the first and second touch inputsis released, in a state where the partial region has been set, thecontroller releases the set partial region. Thus, the highlight processof the partial region is terminated.

If at least one of the first and second touch inputs is moved, in astate where the partial region has been set by the first and secondtouch inputs, the controller may reset the set partial region.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual view illustrating an embodiment to reset apredetermined set region.

Referring to FIG. 5, a partial region 510 may be set to the touch screen151 by first and second touch inputs. If a touch input corresponding toa preset condition is applied to the touch screen 151, while the firstand second touch inputs are maintained without being released, thecontroller executes a function related to the partial region 510.

If at least one of the first and second touch inputs is moved, in astate where the first and second touch inputs are maintained withoutbeing released, the controller may reset the set partial region based onthe movement of the at least one touch input. That is, a size and aposition of the partial region may be changed by movement of at leastone touch input. For instance, if one of the first and second touchinputs is moved, the partial region may be extended or contractedaccording to a point to which one of the first and second touch inputshas been moved (510→512). If both of the first and second touch inputsare moved, the partial region may be extended or contracted according toa point to which the first and second touch inputs have been moved(512→514). Alternatively, only a position of the partial region may bevariable while a size of the partial region is maintained (514→516).

Once the partial region is set, execution of a control function by thefirst and second touch inputs is restricted, and thus a user's undesiredfunction is not executed. Further, a user may simply select a partialregion for executing a specific function, and may reset the selectedpartial region.

Hereinafter, embodiments to execute a function related to a partialregion by a touch input corresponding to a preset condition will beexplained.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are conceptual views illustrating an embodiment toselect a text displayed on a partial region by the method aforementionedin FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 6A, part of a text is selected by a user's gesture, ina state where an output of screen information including an image, atext, etc. is maintained.

More specifically, a touch input corresponding to a preset condition maybe applied to the touch screen, in a state where the first and secondtouch inputs (two circles having number ‘1’ therein) are maintained ondifferent points. In this case, the controller sets a partial regionbased on the first and second touch inputs, and selects a text includedin the set partial region, among an entire text displayed on the touchscreen.

The controller sets a starting point using the first touch, sets anending point using the second touch input, and sets a partial regionusing the starting point and the ending point. Then, the controllerselects a text included in the set partial region, among an entire textdisplayed on the touch screen. More specifically, the controller mayselect a text from the left to the right, and from the upper side to thelower side, based on a position of the partial region from the startingpoint to the ending point.

FIG. 6A illustrates that a partial region, to which a touch inputcorresponding to a preset condition has been set, is touched once (referto circle having number ‘2’ therein). However, the present invention isnot limited to this. That is, a text displayed on the touch screen maybe partially selected by a long touch, a multi-touch, a double tap, etc.

Once the text is selected, the selected text may be highlighted so as tobe distinguished from a non-selected text. For instance, a visualeffect, such as a color change, an emphasis process and an underlineprocess, may be provided to the selected text.

Once the text is selected, the controller may display at least one menufor executing a function related to the selected text, on one region ofthe touch screen. For instance, the function related to the selectedtext may be a copy, a clip (cut-out), etc.

After the text has been selected by the touch input corresponding to thepreset condition, at least one of the first and second touch inputs maybe moved. In this case, the partial region may be reset by the at leastone, and the selected text may be changed. For instance, as shown inFIG. 6B, once at least one of the first and second touch inputs ismoved, a starting point and/or an ending point for selecting a textare/is changed, and thus the selected text is changed.

Although not shown, if at least one of the first and second touch inputsis released after the text has been selected, the selected textmaintains its selected state whereas the set partial region is released.

A user may set a starting point using the first touch input, set anending point using the second touch input, and set a text correspondingto a region formed by the starting point and the ending point, byapplying a touch input corresponding to a preset condition. A user mayselect a desired text simply and rapidly, because the starting point andthe ending point are set at one time, and at least one of the startingpoint and the ending point is reset by moving at least one of the firstand second touch inputs.

FIGS. 7A to 7C are conceptual views illustrating an embodiment tocapture screen information displayed on a partial region by the methodaforementioned in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 7A, screen information of a partial region set byfirst and second touch inputs may be captured by a touch inputcorresponding to a preset condition.

In a state where the screen information has been displayed on the touchscreen, the first and second touch inputs are received. Execution of aspecific function by at least one of the first and second touch inputsis restricted. For instance, if a graphic object corresponding to acontrol function is displayed on a touch point of the at least one touchinput, or if a link for displaying other screen information isdisplayed, the controller restricts execution of the control function.

If a reference time lapses while the first and second touch inputs aremaintained without being released, the controller sets a partial regionbased on the first and second touch inputs. Then, if a touch inputcorresponding to a preset condition is applied, the controller generatesa digital image by capturing screen information of the partial region.The generated digital image may be stored in the memory, or may betransmitted to an external server so as to be stored in the externalserver.

The touch input set to capture the partial region may include third andfourth touch inputs consecutively applied onto a predetermined region ofthe touch screen within a reference time. However, the present inventionis not limited to this. That is, the partial region may be captured by along touch, a multi-touch, a double tap, etc.

The generated digital image may be stored in a clipboard. The clipboardmeans a memory region used as a temporary storage space when copying orpasting data from one program to another program is executed. A user maypaste information stored in the clipboard, to a desired program.

In a case where the digital image has been stored in the clipboard, asshown in FIG. 7A, the controller displays at least part of the digitalimage stored in the clipboard, on a region of the touch screen 151 for apredetermined time. For instance, a clipboard window 710 including thedigital image may be displayed on at least one region of the touchscreen. Thus, a user may visually check the captured digital image, andmay input the captured digital image to another program by using theclipboard. If the predetermined time lapses, the controller terminatesthe display of the digital image.

Although not shown, if a touch input is applied onto the clipboardwindow 710, content stored in the clipboard, rather than the screeninformation displayed on the touch screen may be displayed.

If the first and second touch inputs are maintained even after thedigital image has been generated by the touch input corresponding to thepreset condition, the partial region maintains its set state. Thus, auser may execute an additional capturing function, and may change thepartial region to be captured by moving at least one of the first andsecond touch inputs. That is, the present invention provides a noveluser interface for executing a capturing function rapidly and simply.

Once at least one of the first and second touch inputs is released, theset partial region is released.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the controller may execute a memo function basedon a drag input applied onto the partial region.

More specifically, upon reception of a drag input applied from a firstpoint to a second point on the partial region, the controller maydisplay, on the partial region, an image which is gradually changedalong a path of the drag input. For instance, as shown in FIG. 7B, if adrag input which forms a path of a heart shape is applied onto thepartial region, a heart-shaped line (or image) is displayed on thepartial region. That is, a memo function to write a memo on the partialregion may be implemented by using a drag input.

The memo generated by the drag input is continuously displayed on thepartial region, even if the drag input is released. The memo iscontinuously displayed unless the partial region is released. That is,when at least one of the first and second touch inputs is released, thepartial region is released and the memo disappears from the touchscreen. That is, the controller terminates the display of the memo whenthe partial region is released.

If a touch input set to execute a capturing function is applied onto thetouch screen after the memo is generated, the controller captures notonly screen information included in the partial region, but also thememo included in the partial region. Thus, a user may generate a digitalimage having the memo added thereto, without driving an additional imageedition application.

Although not shown, a memo is not generated when a drag input is appliedto the remaining region rather than the partial region, or when thepartial region has not been set. That is, the controller executes a memofunction by a drag input applied to the partial region, and restrictsthe memo function by a drag input applied to the remaining region.

Referring to FIG. 7C, once a digital image is generated, the controllermay output servers to which the digital image is to be transmitted, inthe form of links. When at least one of the servers is selected, thecontroller may output a message writing window 730 including the digitalimage.

More specifically, once a digital image is generated, the controller maydisplay the digital image rather than the existing screen information,on the touch screen 151. In this case, servers to which the digitalimage is to be transmitted, may be displayed on the touch screen 151together with the digital image.

The servers mean servers to which the digital image is to betransmitted. However, the servers may include applications to be drivenfor transmission of the digital image. For instance, as shown in FIG.7C, the server may include a message application, a mail application, oran application related to a social network service (SNS).

Once at least one of the servers is selected, the controller outputs amessage writing window including the digital image. The message writingwindow is related to at least one server selected by a user, and amessage generated on the message writing window includes the digitalimage. For instance, as shown in FIG. 7C, once a mail application isselected, the message writing window 730 for the mail application isdisplayed. The message writing window 730 may include a region forinputting a recipient's address of an electronic mail, a region forinputting a title of an electronic mail, and a region for inputtingcontent of an electronic mail. The digital image may be displayed on theregion for inputting content of an electronic mail.

With such a configuration, a user may capture part of screen informationin a simple manner, and may transmit the captured screen information tothe outside, without applying a plurality of control commands.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are conceptual views illustrating an embodiment to record(videotape) screen information displayed on a partial region by themethod aforementioned in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 8A, screen information of a partial region set byfirst and second touch inputs may be recorded by a touch inputcorresponding to a preset condition.

In a state where screen information has been displayed on the touchscreen, a plurality of touch inputs are received on different points. Ifa reference time lapses while the plurality of touch inputs aremaintained without being released, a partial region is set. Forinstance, if a reference time lapses while the plurality of touch inputsare maintained without being released, the controller sets a partialregion based on the first and second touch inputs.

If a touch input corresponding to a preset condition is applied to thetouch screen while the plurality of touch inputs are maintained withoutbeing released, the controller executes a function corresponding to thepreset condition with respect to the partial region. For instance, if atouch input corresponding to a recording-related condition is applied tothe touch screen, the controller records the screen information of thepartial region for a predetermined time, thereby generating a digitalmoving image. The generated digital moving image may be stored in thememory and/or the clipboard, or may be transmitted to an external serverso as to be stored in the external server.

The touch input set to record (videotape) the partial region may includethird to fifth touch inputs consecutively applied onto a predeterminedregion of the touch screen within a reference time. However, the presentinvention is not limited to this. That is, the partial region may berecorded by a long touch, a multi-touch, a double tap, etc.

The partial region is continuously recorded even when at least one ofthe first and second touch inputs for setting the partial region isreleased. That is, even if at least one of the first and second touchinputs is released while the partial region is being recorded, thecontroller continuously executes the recording process with respect tothe partial region.

A recording process means a process for continuously recording change ofthe screen information displayed on the touch screen, according to lapseof time. That is, as the screen information displayed on the partialregion is consecutively recorded according to lapse of time, it isstored as a digital image.

The recording process may be terminated when a preset time lapses, ormay be terminated when a touch input corresponding to a preset conditionis applied onto the touch screen. For instance, as shown in FIG. 8A,during the recording process, if a touch input set to terminate therecording process is applied to the touch screen 151, the controller mayterminate the recording process, and may store a digital moving imagegenerated by the recording process in the memory. In a case where thedigital moving image is stored in the clipboard, a clipboard window 810including a thumbnail image of the digital moving image may be displayedon at least one region of the touch screen.

While the recording process is being executed, the partial region set bythe first and second touch inputs among the entire region of the touchscreen, may be differentiated from the remaining region. And a differentcontrol may be executed according to whether a touch has been applied tothe partial region or the remaining region of the touch screen, duringthe recording process. More specifically, if a touch input is applied tothe remaining region, a function related to a touch point is executed.On the other hand, if a touch input is applied to the partial region,the aforementioned menu function is executed.

As shown in FIG. 8B, in a state where first screen information has beendisplayed on the touch screen, a recording process with respect to apartial region 820 may be started.

If a touch input is applied to the remaining region rather than thepartial region 820 while the partial region 820 is being recorded, thecontroller executes a function related to a touch point where the touchinput has been applied. For instance, if a graphic object is displayedon the touch point, the controller may execute a function correspondingto the graphic object. On the other hand, if a link is displayed on thetouch point, the controller may execute a function to move to screeninformation corresponding to the link.

Second screen information rather than the first screen information maybe displayed on the touch screen by the touch input applied to theremaining region. For instance as shown in FIG. 8B, some of a pluralityof images stored in the memory may be displayed on the touch screen, andone image may be replaced by another image by the touch input applied tothe remaining region.

Even if the screen information is changed by the touch input applied tothe remaining region, the partial region is maintained as it is, and thescreen information displayed on the partial region is recorded. That is,change of the screen information displayed on the partial region, to thesecond screen information from the first screen information is recorded.As shown in FIG. 8B, the first screen information is partially recordedat a section of 0˜3 seconds, and the second screen information ispartially recorded at a section after 3 seconds. That is, a user maychange a type or content of the screen information displayed on thepartial region, by applying a touch input to the remaining region.

If a touch is applied to the partial region 820 while the partial region820 is being recorded, the controller determines whether the touch inputis a touch input corresponding to a preset condition, a drag input, orother type of touch input.

If the touch input is a touch input corresponding to a preset condition,the controller terminates the recording process.

On the contrary, if the touch input applied to the partial region 820 isa drag input, the controller executes the aforementioned menu function.More specifically, if a drag input applied to a second point from afirst point on the partial region is received while the recordingprocess is being executed, the controller may display an image which isgradually changed along a path of the drag input, on the partial region.For instance, as shown in FIG. 8B, if a drag input which forms aheart-shaped path is applied to the partial region 820, a heart-shapedline (or image) is displayed on the partial region. That is, a memofunction for writing a memo on the partial region may be implemented bya drag input.

A memo (or image) generated by the drag input is recorded together withscreen information displayed on the partial region. More specifically,the controller records a memo which is gradually changed along a path ofthe drag input, together with screen information. For instance, as shownin FIG. 8B, a heart-shaped memo may be displayed at a section of 3˜5seconds, among an entire section of a digital moving image.

As aforementioned, the mobile terminal of the present invention providesa novel user interface for simply executing a recording process withrespect to a partial region among an entire region of the touch screen.Further, since a recorded digital moving image may include a memogenerated by a user's input, the user may record his or her feeling oremotion about screen information being recorded, in the digital movingimage.

A memo function may be executed differently according to whether screeninformation displayed on the partial region is being recorded or not.

Generally, the memo function is executed by a drag input applied to apartial region in a state where a plurality of touch inputs for settingthe partial region are maintained without being released. An imagecorresponding to a path of the drag input is displayed on the touchscreen. If the drag input is released, the controller executes adifferent operation according to whether a recording process withrespect to the screen information displayed on the partial region isbeing executed or not.

For instance, in a case where a recording process is not being executed,the controller continuously displays an image corresponding to a path ofthe drag input, even if the drag input has been released. If the partialregion is not released, a plurality of different images may be generatedin an overlapped manner, by a plurality of drag inputs applied atdifferent time points. Then, the plurality of different images areincluded in a digital image by a capturing command applied later.

On the contrary, if a drag input is applied to the partial region duringa recording process, and then if the drag input is released, thecontroller displays an image corresponding to a path of the drag inputfor a predetermined time. After the predetermined time lapses, thecontroller terminates the display of the image.

The predetermined time may be a very short time, e.g., 0.5 seconds. Oncethe drag input is released, the controller may immediately terminate thedisplay of the image. The predetermined time may be differently set by auser. Although not shown, the mobile terminal may provide a userinterface for setting the predetermined time.

In a case where a recording process is being executed, change of screeninformation due to a time lapse is recorded, in order to prevent a memogenerated at a specific time point from being continuously recorded.

The partial region may be captured or recorded while a moving image isbeing captured.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8C, the controller may activate thecamera provided at the body, and may display a preview image captured bythe camera on the touch screen. The controller may execute a capturingprocess in response to a capturing command with respect to the previewimage, and may generate a digital moving image. When a moving image iscaptured, a preview image, a graphic object corresponding to a movingimage capturing function, and information on a time lapse in capturingmay be displayed on the touch screen.

If a plurality of touch inputs are received on different points of thetouch screen while a capturing process is executed (or while a previewimage is being displayed), and then if the plurality of touch inputs aremaintained for a reference time without being released, the controllersets a partial region based on the plurality of touch inputs. Then, thecontroller may execute a different function related to the partialregion, according to whether an applied touch input corresponds to whichcondition among a plurality of preset conditions. For instance, thecontroller may generate a digital image by capturing screen informationincluded in the partial region, or may generate a digital moving imageby recording the screen information.

If a capturing process with respect to screen information displayed onthe partial region is executed during the capturing process, a digitalimage including the screen information of the partial region isgenerated in a separated manner from a digital moving image generated bythe capturing process.

If a recording process with respect to the screen information displayedon the partial region is executed during the capturing process, twodifferent digital moving images are generated. For instance, a firstdigital moving image is generated in correspondence to an entire regionof the touch screen, and a second digital moving image is generated incorrespondence to a partial region of the touch screen.

If a recording process is executed during the capturing process,information on the capturing process and information on the recordingprocess are displayed on the touch screen. The information on therecording process includes information on a partial region where therecording process is executed, a time lapse in recording, and a memogenerated by a drag input applied to the partial region. The informationon the capturing process is displayed on the touch screen, whereas theinformation on the capturing process is not included in the first andsecond digital moving images.

If the partial region is being recorded, the controller may display aboundary line for distinguishing the partial region and the remainingregion from each other. As shown in FIG. 8C, the controller may displaya partial region display window 830 rather than the boundary line.

The controller may change at least one of a size and a position of thepartial region, based on a touch applied to the partial region displaywindow 830. For instance, if a touch starting from an edge of thepartial region display window 830 is consecutively moved to anotherpoint and then the touch input is released, the controller may change aposition of the partial region display window 830. As the position ofthe partial region display window 830 is changed, the partial region tobe recorded is reset. A size of the partial region display window 830may be changed by the method aforementioned in FIG. 5.

In a case where the capturing process and the recording process aresimultaneously executed, the capturing process and the recording processmay be terminated individually by a user's input. For instance, if atouch input set to terminate a recording process is applied to thepartial region, the controller may terminate the recording process, andmay store a recorded digital moving image in the memory. As therecording process is terminated, information on the recording processdisappears from the touch screen whereas the capturing process iscontinuously executed. As another example, if a touch is applied to agraphic object 820 corresponding to termination of the capturingprocess, the controller may terminate the capturing process and maystore a captured digital moving image in the memory. As the capturingprocess is terminated, information on the capturing process disappearsfrom the touch screen. However, in this case, the recording process iscontinuously executed.

Thus, the mobile terminal of the present invention may simultaneouslygenerate a captured digital moving image including an entire region ofan image captured by the camera, and a recorded digital moving imageincluding a partial region of the image. That is, the mobile terminalmay store an entire region of a scene captured by the camera by using acapturing function, and may store a partial region of the scene as aseparate file by using a recording function.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual views illustrating an embodiment to displaygraphic objects related to a partial region by the method aforementionedin FIG. 2.

More specifically, if a reference time lapses in a state where aplurality of touch inputs applied to different points are maintainedwithout being released, the controller sets a partial region. Thecontroller may highlight the partial region such that the partial regionand the remaining region are distinguished from each other. Thus, a usermay recognize that the partial region has been set, and may distinguishthe partial region from the remaining region.

Once the partial region is set, the controller may display a pluralityof graphic objects corresponding to different functions related to thepartial region, on one region of the touch screen.

More specifically, the controller may display the plurality of graphicobjects on one region of the touch screen, if a touch inputcorresponding to a preset condition is applied to the touch screen in astate where a plurality of touch inputs received on different points aremaintained without being released. Thus, the graphic objects areprevented from being displayed unintentionally.

The touch input set to display the plurality of graphic objectscorresponding to preset conditions may be a long touch (a circulardiagram including an English letter ‘L’) as shown in FIG. 9. However,the touch input is not limited to the long touch, but may be modified tovarious types of touch inputs.

The different functions related to the partial region may includevarious functions aforementioned with reference to FIGS. 6A to 8C. Forinstance, the different functions may include a function to select atext included in the partial region, a function to capture screeninformation included in the partial region, a function to record thescreen information included in the partial region, and a function tocapture the screen information and to display a message transmissionwindow including a captured digital image.

The graphic objects disappear from the touch screen when at least one ofa plurality of touch inputs for setting the partial region is released.That is, the controller terminates the display of the graphic objectswhen at least one of a plurality of touch inputs for setting the partialregion is released.

In a state where the graphic objects have been displayed, if a touch isapplied to one of the graphic objects, the controller may execute afunction corresponding to the one, and may display an execution screenon the touch screen.

Thus, a user may selectively execute a specific function related to thepartial region by using the graphic objects, without remembering a touchinput set to execute the specific function.

Various embodiments may be implemented using a machine-readable mediumhaving instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor toperform various methods presented herein. Examples of possiblemachine-readable mediums include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid StateDisk), SDD (Silicon Disk Drive), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, afloppy disk, an optical data storage device, the other types of storagemediums presented herein, and combinations thereof. If desired, themachine-readable medium may be realized in the form of a carrier wave(for example, a transmission over the Internet). The processor mayinclude the controller 180 of the mobile terminal.

As the present features may be embodied in several forms withoutdeparting from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understoodthat the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of thedetails of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, butrather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in theappended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fallwithin the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metesand bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile terminal, comprising: a touch screenconfigured to display screen information; and a controller configured toselect a region of the touch screen based on first and second touchinputs when the first and second touch inputs applied to differentpoints of the touch screen are maintained for a reference amount of timewithout being released, and configured to execute a function related tothe selected region when a touch input corresponding to a presetcondition is applied to the touch screen while the first and secondtouch inputs are maintained without being released.
 2. The mobileterminal of claim 1, further comprising a memory configured to storetherein a plurality of preset conditions corresponding to a plurality offunctions, wherein the preset condition related to the touch inputcorresponds to one among the plurality of functions.
 3. The mobileterminal of claim 2, wherein, when the touch input corresponds to afirst condition among the plurality of preset conditions, the controllerexecutes a function to select text displayed in the selected region ofthe touch screen, and wherein, when the touch input corresponds to asecond condition among the plurality of preset conditions, thecontroller captures screen information in the selected region togenerate a digital image of content in the selected region.
 4. Themobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the controller records screeninformation included in the selected region to generate a digital movingimage in response to the touch input corresponding to the presetcondition.
 5. The mobile terminal of claim 4, wherein, when a recordingprocess of the screen information included in the selected region isstarted, the controller displays guide information indicating that therecording process is being executed on one region of the touch screen.6. The mobile terminal of claim 5, wherein, upon reception of a draginput applied from a first point to a second point on the selectedregion during the recording process, the controller displays, in theselected region, an image generated along a path of the drag input. 7.The mobile terminal of claim 6, wherein the image is recorded togetherwith the screen information displayed in the selected region.
 8. Themobile terminal of claim 7, wherein the image disappears from the touchscreen when the drag input is released.
 9. The mobile terminal of claim4, wherein, when another touch input corresponding to the presetcondition is applied to the touch screen during the recording process,the controller terminates the recording process.
 10. The mobile terminalof claim 4, wherein, when an application is executed during therecording process and an execution screen of the application isdisplayed on the touch screen including the selected region, therecorded screen information includes a portion of the execution screendisplayed in the selected region.
 11. The mobile terminal of claim 1,wherein the controller captures an image of screen information includedin the selected region in response to the touch input corresponding tothe preset condition.
 12. The mobile terminal of claim 11, wherein, inresponse to capturing the image, the controller displays iconscorresponding to applications for transmitting the captured image, anddisplays a message writing window and includes the captured image in themessage writing window in response to a selection of one of the icons.13. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the function related to theselected region is a function to display a plurality of graphicalobjects corresponding to different functions related to the selectedregion on one region of the touch screen.
 14. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, wherein, when at least one of the first or second touch inputsis moved in a state where the first and second touch inputs aremaintained without being released, the controller resets the selectedregion based on the movement.
 15. The mobile terminal of claim 1,wherein the controller controls the touch screen such that screeninformation in the selected region is visually distinguished from screeninformation outside the selected region.
 16. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, wherein the controller defines a first edge of the selectedregion by using a touch point of the first touch input and defines asecond edge of the selected region by using a touch point of the secondtouch input, and sets the selected region by using the first and secondedges.
 17. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein, when a selectablegraphical object is displayed on the touch screen at a locationcorresponding to the first and second touch inputs when the first andsecond touch inputs are received, the controller restricts selection ofthe selectable graphical object.
 18. The mobile terminal of claim 1,wherein, when at least one of the first or second touch inputs isreleased, the controller releases the selected region.
 19. The mobileterminal of claim 1, wherein the touch input corresponding to the presetcondition includes third and fourth touch inputs consecutively appliedonto a predetermined region of the touch screen within a reference time.20. A method for controlling a mobile terminal, comprising: displayingscreen information on a touch screen; selecting, by a controller, aregion of the touch screen based on first and second touch inputs whenthe first and second touch inputs applied to different points of thetouch screen are maintained for a reference amount of time without beingreleased; and executing a function related to the selected region when atouch input corresponding to a preset condition is applied to the touchscreen while the first and second touch inputs are maintained withoutbeing released.